Lead Mechanical Design Engineer

Assegai; Durban; On-site; ZAR 450 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in South Africa seeks a Mechanical Engineer to oversee design activities, ensuring compliance with standards and regulations. Responsibilities include supervising project teams, conducting audits, and providing technical expertise for optimization. Ideal candidates should possess a BSc in Mechanical Engineering and have excellent communication skills alongside proficiency in engineering software. This role is essential for the development of the Oil & Gas Technical portfolio and involves mentorship of junior engineers.

Qualifications

• Excellent understanding of petroleum/gas standards and regulations.
• Ability to interact with customers at all levels.
• Knowledge of technical developments in process industries.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical engineering design activities.
• Supervise project subordinates and approve their work.
• Conduct audits and support engineering studies.

Skills

Mechanical engineering expertise

Communication with clients

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Technical report writing

Simulation package usage

Education

BSc / BEng. Mechanical Engineering degree

Tools

AutoCAD

AFT Fathom

AFT Impulse

Job description

Job Objective :

• Ensure that mechanical engineering design activities on assigned projects are executed in compliance with project procedures, Client and National standards and specifications and in accordance with the procedures and the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of South Africa.
• Carry out design work for a unit or units as required by the Project Director / Project Manager in accordance with the agreed project schedule,
• Supervise the work of assigned subordinates on the project and review and approve their works
• Advise Project Director / Project Manager of deficiencies and possible changes to the established design methods, standards and data
• Lead / contribute to a multi-disciplinary team to fulfil the project objectives
• Accept responsibility as requested for development and maintenance of expertise in specific areas of technology
• Advise Project Director / Project Manager of possible fields for technical investigations and computer
• programs. Carry out technical investigations, including development of computer programs and produce technical reports as and when required
• Provide progress report information, at the required frequency and with the required content, to the Project Director / Project Manager.
• To develop and strengthen the companys Oil & Gas Technical portfolio through implementation of company technologies, industry best practices and tools.
• To conduct plant audits and manage the design component of Engineering Studies
• To provide mechanical engineering expertise for troubleshooting and operations optimisation
• To mentor Engineers in the company
• To sign off on concept / basic / detail process designs produced for complex projects, as applicable
• To support a team of engineers, technicians and draughtsman to accomplish the above, all within the agreed constraints of time, costs and quality.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities :

• BSc / BEng. Mechanical Engineering degree
• Have an excellent understanding of national and international petroleum / gas standard and regulations (NFPA, API, SANS, etc.)
• Be able to interact with customers at all levels, especially Technical Leads from Client companies.
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word etc.), AFT Fathom, AFT Impulse
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD in order to direct Drafting staff accordingly will be advantageous.
• Keep informed, by all possible means, of technical developments in process industries and make recommendations to HOD on methods of improving the companys competitive position from a technical standpoint.
• Ensure that the requirements of Licensor's / Client's Secrecy Agreements are known and complied with in the work performed
• Participate in site visits, installations, and commissioning when required.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in design workflows, CAD standards, and data management in the company.
• Advise the Project Director of any deviations and their causes and proposed corrective action.
• Advise the Project Director of any technical problems and unresolved differences with other groups.
• Notify the Project Director / Project Manager of all deficiencies in the flow of data or other basic information required for execution of work.
• Provide information, where necessary, for estimating the cost of contract changes. Alert the Project Director / Project Manager to circumstances considered to constitute a contract change.
• Carry out simulations of processes using simulation packages. Review and check simulations.
• Establish the basis of design and make detailed first principal calculations to develop the design and be responsible for the accuracy of these calculations. Check and approve calculations.